Collegiate Volunteer Program

About the Collegiate Volunteer Program

Current Campus Partners

Interested in starting a program at your university? Contact us at programs@sunshinecamps.org!

Austin Sunshine Camps is the only, free overnight camp for underserved youth in Texas. College students from the University of Texas (ASC@UT) and from Texas State University (ASC@TXST) serve the campers of Austin Sunshine Camps each summer through volunteering and fundraising efforts. UT and TXST students will volunteer throughout the year spreading awareness of Austin Sunshine Camps and its mission, as well as volunteer as a counselor and mentor to youth from historically underinvested communities in Austin and surrounding areas.

Zilker Park and Lake Travis

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UT and TXST students who volunteer at Zilker Lodge spend a week tucked inside the heart of Zilker Park. Campers aged 8 to 11 and their counselors enjoy 10 days of swimming in Barton Springs, hiking the Greenbelt and sleeping inside of one Austin’s most iconic places.

UT and TXST students who volunteer at Lake Travis spend 10 days at our oasis between Lago Vista and Marble Falls with our campers aged 12 to 15. They participate in swimming, arts and crafts, nature study, hikes, and challenge course activities, including a zip line!

June - August

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ASC operates summer camp from June through August. Over the course of one summer, ASC will host four, 10 day sessions filled with fun!

UT and TXST students volunteer at least one session each summer or fundraise for ASC.

Campers

Austin Sunshine Camper taking a photo with an Austin Sunshine Camp counselor
UT and TXST students will serve as counselors for campers ages 8-15. Campers in summer 2023 were 39% Hispanic/Latino, 32% Black, 14% White, and 11% Multiracial. Almost all campers quality for free or reduced lunch or are in the foster care system.

Collegiate Volunteers

Austin Sunshine Camp campers playing a game of pool
ASC aims to give campers the summer they will never forget. Counselors need to commit to providing a high-quality camp experience. UT and TXST Volunteer Counselors will need to be passionate, empathic and a team player.

“I have been a part of ASC for almost three years. I have so much pride going back in the summers because I know I am building strong connections with the children. I remember my first summer I absolutely fell in love with the children and what the camp stands for because I am a student who comes from a disadvantaged background.”

Natalie Jimenez, 2019 & 2020 Camp Counselor; ASC at UT Member

Join Us!

University of Texas: E-mail utexas@sunshinecamps.org for more information, and follow @asc_ut on Instagram!

Texas State University: Join the ASC@TXST GroupMe for more information, and follow @asc_txst on Instagram!